In 1st-ever bodybuilding event, Porter brings home 3 trophies

TRAVERSE CITY — He entered the world of bodybuilding on a whim, but it quickly captivated him and transformed him into a champion.

Elmira resident Mike Porter had just broken up with an ex-girlfriend, when he decided to begin working out with Grayling’s Rick Ferrigan four years ago.

“I was hoping to make her jealous,” Porter laughed.

It was a road that led Porter, 27, to Traverse City a couple weeks ago, where he won three titles at the Grand Traverse Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships — Overall, Men’s Short and Best Poser.

“It was amazing,” Porter said. “I had a ton of support when I did my routine.”

Porter’s cheering section was so loud that it nearly threw him off. The rooting overshadowed the beat on Porter’s music beat, so he had to improvise. It didn’t matter, as Porter cruised to three titles in his first-ever competition.

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“When they called my name, it was the coolest feeling of my life,” Porter said.

Obviously, it didn’t happen without a lifestyle of hard work. In addition to grueling workouts, he went on a 13-week cycling diet, loading up heavy on carbohydrates on day and on protein the next. Employed in sales with Kendall Electric, Porter’s story was a topic of conversation with clients.

“I had to explain while I was ordering a salad with just lettuce at lunch,” Porter said. “I’ve gained a lot of respect for bodybuilders. I’ve been involved in sports my whole life — I’ve played hockey and have wrestled. This is defintitely the most challenging thing I’ve ever done.”

Porter, who works out at Gaylord’s Powerhouse Gym, is now gearing up for his next competition, this Saturday in Flint. Check next week’s Herald Times for updates on how he does.